Garmin Instinct 2X SOLAR GPS 50mm Smartwatch, Larger Rugged watch, Built-in Sports Apps & Health Monitoring, Solar Charging and Ultratough Design Features, up to 40 days Battery Life, Graphite

After using the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar for the past few weeks, I can confidently say it's an incredible piece of technology that has seamlessly integrated into my daily life. If you’re considering this watch and wondering how it compares to the 2 and 2S models, the main differences are the size, battery life and the flashlight. The original Instinct 2 is 45mm, the 2S is 40mm, and the 2X is 50mm. I will attach photos of the front, size and back of the watch, and I have an 18cm wrist for reference. The battery life is also different, with the 2X being the best, then the 2, then the smaller 2S. The flashlight (unexpectedly one of the best features) is only available on the 2X model.Size and Display: The Instinct 2X Solar features a larger display compared to the 2 and 2S, making it incredibly easy to read notifications, track your steps, or check the time at a glance. The bigger screen is a welcome upgrade that enhances usability, whether you're at your desk or on the move outdoors. Plus, with more solar panel real-estate and upgraded solar panel tech, it makes the solar capabilities more meaningful. You literally gain more power by spending the same time in the sun, compared to the other models.Battery Life: The battery life of this watch is simply ridiculous. Even with multiple extra features turned on, I’m predicted to enjoy 30 days of battery life. I've been wearing it for 20 days and have 10 days left. This is a stark contrast to the daily charging routine required by other smartwatches, like the Apple Watch. This extended battery life means I can rely on it without constantly needing to recharge, making it ideal for busy people. I will need to charge this watch for 2 hours, once per month. No worries at all. I stopped using my previous smartwatch purely because it needed charging on a daily basis which I got sick of. I love that I can just wear this watch, without worrying about the battery.Built-In LED Flashlight: Unexpectedly, one of my favorite features is the built-in LED flashlight. Before buying, I really thought it was a gimmick that I wouldn't use, but It's surprisingly incredibly handy and something I use multiple times a day. Whether I’m navigating dimly lit areas in the my house late at night or need a quick light source for any task, this flashlight is incredibly bright and convenient. It easily lights up an entire room on full brightness, it's as bright if not brighter than my phone torch, and it's on my wrist at all times, easily activated with a swift double click of a button. I went to buy a used car the other day, and even used it to check under the car for rust. The seller found it very amusing and remarked that it was like a "spy gadget"! I honestly feel at this point that I would feel lost without it. Plus, it's LED so barely puts a dent in battery life.GPS Accuracy: The dual-band GPS on the 2X Solar provides exceptional accuracy. While I primarily use it for tracking workouts and runs, the precision it offers is impressive and ensures that my data is always accurate, whether I’m exercising or simply checking my route. I have attached a few screenshots of the Garmin Connect app so you can see what to expect with that. The GPS maps style image is the analysis of a quick walk I went on with my dog. You can see in the bottom left the red circle is where I had a quick mad dash with my dog who chased me around some grass and back to the path. Super accurate.Customization: The customization options available with the Instinct 2X Solar are extensive. I appreciate how I can tailor the watch face and settings to fit my personal style and needs. Not only can you completely change between dozens of watch faces, and potentially thousands more with the Garmin store, but when you've selected a watch face you like you can also edit every single data point on the face, choose exactly what you want to see, and where you want to put it on the display. The Garmin Connect app complements this perfectly, offering excellent insights into my fitness data and helping me track my progress with ease. It’s a fantastic tool for managing both my workouts and daily activity levels. One of my favorite features is the "training readiness" feature and body battery, which takes into account your sleep history, activity and stress markers, to determine whether you should rest or exercise. I have found it exceptionally accurate. When I feel good, I see my body battery is high to match. When I feel really run down, I check it and without fail see an awful body battery score.Durability: Despite being a rugged smartwatch, the 2X Solar fits comfortably and looks great for everyday wear. It’s built to be tough, but its design is sleek enough to complement a professional setting, making it just as appropriate for an office environment as it is for more demanding activities.In summary, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar has proven to be an invaluable tool in both my professional and personal life. Its impressive battery life, handy flashlight, precise GPS, and customizable features make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a versatile smartwatch that performs exceptionally well in any situation. If you’re looking for a smartwatch that can keep up with a busy lifestyle and offer top-notch functionality, the Instinct 2X Solar is definitely worth considering.5 stars all day. I am now officially a Garmin fan.

I've been using the Garmin Instinct 2X SOLAR for a few months now, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. This rugged GPS smartwatch is an absolute beast, designed to withstand the toughest conditions while offering a comprehensive suite of features that make it indispensable for anyone who loves the outdoors.**Durability:** The ultratough design is no joke. I've taken it hiking, biking, and even through some pretty rough terrain, and it’s held up without a scratch. The large, rugged build feels solid and reliable, perfect for those who need a watch that can handle the elements.**Solar Charging:** The solar charging feature is a game-changer. Even with heavy use, I rarely need to charge it manually. Just being outdoors keeps the battery going, which is incredibly convenient, especially on long trips where access to power might be limited.**Built-in Sports Apps:** The variety of sports apps built into this watch is impressive. Whether you're running, swimming, cycling, or hiking, there's an app tailored for it. The GPS is accurate and responsive, making it easy to track your activities in real time. Plus, the detailed analytics help you monitor your progress and improve your performance.**Health Monitoring:** The health monitoring features are comprehensive and easy to use. Heart rate, sleep tracking, stress levels—everything you need to keep an eye on your overall well-being is right there on your wrist. The insights are clear and actionable, helping me stay on top of my health goals.**Design:** The Graphite color is sleek and stylish, yet still maintains that rugged look. It’s not just a functional device; it also looks good on your wrist, whether you're on a mountain trail or in a meeting.Overall, the Garmin Instinct 2X SOLAR is an exceptional smartwatch that combines toughness with top-notch functionality. If you're an outdoor enthusiast or just someone who needs a reliable, feature-packed watch, I highly recommend giving this one a go. It’s worth every penny!

Been using this for a few months now and it's absolutely fantastic. Upgraded from a Fenix 6 Solar, which served me well for a good number of years but I was only getting 5-6 days battery life with sleep tracking. In fact sleep tracking was draining the battery by about 4-5% per night and the solar aspect was a bit of a gimmick and didn't really do much. This watch I get over 2 weeks on a single charge and still have a good 25% remaining. That's doing all my workouts including running 20+ miles a week, sleep tracking every night and just general daily use. I don't use it as a smart watch as such so it's not connected to my phone 24/7, I only do that when I sync my watch or download watch faces.The solar I've yet to try as I got it in November but I've heard good things so will update my review after the weather warms up.GPS is very accurate and that's not using the multi band either. HR is pretty good, better than my Fenix 6 but I use my chest HR monitor most of the time. Flash light is a nice addition, which I use quite a lot for many different tasks. I also find the health/fitness tracking more accurate than my Fenix 6 too. Such as the V02 Max, training readiness, body battery, HRV status and recovery time etc.Overall very happy with my purchase. Highly recommended.